Intelligent parking system

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a system for intelligently managing parking spaces and facilities. A preferred embodiment of the present invention would include a system comprising one or more parking barrier devices, connected over a network to a system back-end that manages parking space utilization, barrier operation and status, and inputs from one or multiple user applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of the U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/942,344, filed on 20 Feb. 2014,which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of parking managementsystems, and, more particularly, to an integrated system, method,apparatus, and service for intelligently managing parking spaces andfacilities where the system comprises any one, a combination of, or allof a software application, an Internet portal, and an apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Parking is a hassle. Both from the perspective of the driver looking fora parking space as well as from the perspective of the administrator ofthe parking facility, the parking experience is tedious, inefficient,and often stressful. Traditionally, the allocation of parking spaces isadministered on a first-come first-served basis. Even parking lots thatcharge a premium for parking find it difficult to manage since theyoften have to rely on old, often manual, systems.

Parking management systems have traditionally utilized paper tickets.These often have to be validated, but are easily susceptible to beingdamaged or lost. Cash-based parking facilities are susceptible to theft.In traditionally managed parking facilities there is often no efficientway to control traffic since drivers wander and hunt for a good parkingspace. This behavior leads to a lot of wasted time and driverfrustration. Studies suggest that the average driver in majormetropolitan areas spend an average of 20 minutes looking for a spaceand drive an average of 15 km a month during these searches. Facilitieswith permit systems usually use a tag-based system that determines thatdriver's permit, usually by zones. This requires an immense effort andcost on the part of the facility on enforcement and does not lead to anefficient and organized system.

Previous attempts to address the inefficiencies and frustrationsdescribed above have been developed in the current state of the art.Many of these have recognized the problem of ticket and cash-basedsystems. Others have attempted to address the issue by implementingelectronic payment systems. Still others have attempted to solve theissue through the use of reserved spaces. Attempts to address theproblems found in the current state of the art have been lacking in oneelement or another.

It would, therefore, be desirable to have the ability to rent and/orreserve spaces ahead of time, with a pre-determined space assignment,that greatly reduces traffic congestion and parking frustration byimplementing a fully automatic, intelligent cloud-based system that doesnot require tickets, tags, or employees. Therefore, there currentlyexists a need in the industry for a system for intelligently managingparking spaces and facilities where the system comprises any or all of aone or more software application, an Internet portal, and a one or moreapparatus to offer a complete and comprehensive solution that does notsacrifice convenience for control but rather greatly increases the userexperience of the drivers while at the same time improving the controlof the facility administrator.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussedto facilitate disclosure of the invention, Applicants in no way disclaimthese technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claimedinvention may encompass one or more of the conventional technicalaspects discussed herein.

In this specification, where a document, act, or item of knowledge isreferred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not anadmission that the document, act, or item of knowledge or anycombination thereof was, at the priority date, publicly available, knownto the public, part of common general knowledge, or otherwiseconstitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or isknown to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which thisspecification is concerned.

SUMMARY

Briefly, according to an embodiment of the invention, a system forintelligently managing parking spaces and facilities comprises: a one ormore network-connected, mechanized parking barrier device with anintegral microcontroller; a one or more network-connected node devicewith an integral microcontroller; a network-connected computing serverand database; a one or more network-connected user interface; and acommunications protocol.

In another embodiment, the invention may be practiced as an apparatuscomprising a server, a one or more client device that is incommunication with the server, a one or more node device that is also incommunication with the server, and a one or more parking barrier devicethat is in communication with the node device.

Generally, one or more parking spaces are configured to accept amechanized parking barrier device. The mechanized parking barrier devicecommunicates via a system communications protocol to a node device. Thenode device communicates via the system communications protocol to aremote server, which is, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, a specially programmed computer configured to access a systemdatabase and run a specialized program. Through a system-provided userinterface, users of the intelligent parking system can interact with theremote server, via the communications protocol, in order to find andreserve a parking space. The remote server can then send a series ofrules based commands to the node device, which then relays a series ofinstructions to the parking barrier device assigned to the requestedparking space. Alternatively, the remote server can automatically assignan available parking space, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

In this way, the intelligent parking system can accept a user input topay for and release a parking space by lowering the parking barrier andprovide the functionality to rent and/or reserve spaces ahead of time,with a pre-determined space assignment, while greatly reducing trafficcongestion and parking frustration by implementing a fully automatic,intelligent cloud-based system that does not require tickets, tags, oron-site employees.

Various other embodiments of the present invention are contemplated tobe within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. By way ofexample, and not limitation, it is contemplated that an embodiment ofthe invention may comprise a single parking barrier device that isoperatively configured to be in communication with a client device. Inthis embodiment, a single user, for example, may use the invention tocontrol access to their private parking space. In a similar manner, alarge parking facility may practice another embodiment of the inventionin order to manage, monitor, reserve, and receive payment for multipleparking spaces, lots, and or facilities. In this embodiment, the serverwould be operatively configured to be in communication with various nodedevices as well as various client devices. Each of the various nodedevices, in turn, would be operatively configured to be in communicationwith various parking barrier devices, each parking barrier devicefixedly installed in, and configured to represent to the system, asingle parking space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary simplified depiction of an intelligent parkingsystem in which embodiments of the present invention can be implemented;

FIGS. 2A and 2B is a flowchart of a method for providing an intelligentparking system service, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 3 through 24 show exemplary simplified depictions of a mobileapplication user interface for an intelligent parking system, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 shows a simplified block diagram of the Node Device of theintelligent parking system, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 26 shows a simplified block diagram of the computing systemhardware components for the intelligent parking system, according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 shows a simplified representation of the parking barrier devicecomponent of the intelligent parking system, according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIGS. 28-54 show exemplary simplified depictions of screens of the WebApplication user interface for the intelligent parking system, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 55-57 show exemplary simplified depictions of screens of the NodeDevice user interface for the intelligent parking system, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention as claimed can be modified into alternative forms,specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawingsand will herein be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are notintended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but onthe contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalentsand alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above and in the Description, and the Claims below, andin the accompanying Drawings, reference is made to particular features(including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood thatthe disclosure of the invention in this specification includes allpossible combinations of such particular features. For example, where aparticular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect orembodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature canalso be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in thecontext of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention,and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used hereinto mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionallypresent. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”)components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A,B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also one ormore other components.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or moredefined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order orsimultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), andthe method can include one or more other steps which are carried outbefore any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, orafter all the defined steps (except where the context excludes thatpossibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote thestart of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range havingan upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable beingdefined). For example “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “atmost” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a rangeending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lowerlimit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variablebeing defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “atmost 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, arange is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a firstnumber)-(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is thefirst number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm, and whose upperlimit is 100 mm.

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofembodiments of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believedthat the invention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the figures, in which likereference numerals are carried forward.

Apparatus components and method steps have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments ofthe present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein. Thus, it will beappreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, common andwell-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commerciallyfeasible embodiment may not be depicted in order to facilitate a lessobstructed view of these various embodiments.

We discuss an integrated apparatus, system, method, and service forintelligently managing parking spaces. Customizable rules triggerappropriate responses to translate user interactions on a client deviceinto commands sent to a specific parking barrier. This combination ofapparatus, system, method, and service improves upon known solutions tomanaging parking spaces in that it is scalable from one to multipleparking spaces and, indeed, multiple parking lots and locations. Thecomputational burden of monitoring, reserving, selling of reservations,and triggering of commands is placed on a centralized server, not on theparking barrier itself, nor on the parking facility itself.

Intelligent Parking System.

Referring now to the drawings in general and to FIG. 1 in particular,there is shown a simplified illustration of an intelligent parkingsystem 100 in which embodiments of the present invention can beimplemented. In this exemplary embodiment, a system 100 forintelligently managing parking spaces and facilities is shown where thesystem comprises: a software application 160 running on a client device110; a mobile application gateway 120 providing services connecting themobile application running on the client device 110 to a Server 150through a Network 125, where the server processes operations to and froma database 180; a Web Application 130 provided by the Server through theNetwork 125; a one or more Node Devices 140 operably connected to theserver through the network; and a one or more parking barrier devices170 operably connected to the one or more Node Devices.

The system provides one or more benefits and advantages not previouslyoffered by the prior art, including, but not limited to, the ability forfacility owners and managers to control, charge and monitor the use oftheir parking spaces within one or multiple facilities with ease of useand efficiency, as well as enabling individual users of the system touse the system to control private parking spaces as well as having theability to use the system to rent their private parking spaces to otherusers of the system.

The system comprises several components that can be utilizedindividually or in combination. Embodiments of the invention comprisecomponents such as a computer application, a physical barrier device, anode device, and a system backend, which comprises a series ofpre-programmed instructions executed on a special purpose computer andaccessible via a connected network.

Parking Management Service.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, we discuss an embodiment of theinvention as a method for providing a parking management service. Inthis embodiment, a server is provided 201, which is operativelyconfigured to send and receive commands and instructions to and from adatabase.

Additionally, an application 203 is provided to a parking client. Theapplication may be a mobile application, web-based application, or otherinstruction set configured to be executed by a microprocessor. Thisapplication is operatively configured to provide an instruction set to aclient device thereby rendering the client device to be communicativelyoperative with said server. By way of example, and not limitation, wouldbe a mobile application that is loaded onto a parking client'ssmartphone where, through the smartphone's networking capabilities, themobile application is able to be in communication with the server.

The method further provides an Internet accessible user interface thatis in communication with the server and is operatively configured tosend and receive operations to and from the database 205. By way ofexample, and not limitation, this may be accomplished by providing aweb-accessible application that provides a user interface to the serverand database. This would be known as the service “back-end” that isaccessible and used by the parking facility management.

The method further provides a one or more node device that is incommunication with the server 207. One or more than one node device maybe provided depending on the size and configuration of the parking lotand the number of parking spaces to be managed.

The method further provides a one or more parking barrier device that isin communication with said node device, wherein each said parkingbarrier device is fixedly attached to a single parking space 209.

The method further provides means for the configuring of a parking lotvia operations executed on the Internet accessible user interface 211and for storing to the database a set of configuration parameters forsaid parking lot 213.

The method further provides the ability to display on said applicationavailability of said parking lot 215. In this way, a parking client canaccess the server and query available parking lots utilizing the parkingmanagement service via, for example, the mobile application running onthe parking client's smartphone.

The method further provides for the receiving by the server a requestfrom the application to reserve a parking space at said parking lot 217.

The method further provides for the querying of the database by theserver as to the availability of parking spaces at said parking lot 219and the returning by the database to the server information aboutavailable parking spaces 221. The server then communicates saidavailable parking spaces by the server to the application 223. In thisway, a parking client can access the server and query available parkingspaces at a desired parking lot via, for example, the mobile applicationrunning on the parking client's smartphone.

The method further provides receiving from the application a command toreserve the parking space by the server 227. The server then transmits aparking reservation command to the node device associated with thereserved parking space 229.

When the parking client has arrived at the parking lot and is ready topark, the service is able to provide a location and, in someembodiments, spoken or visual directions to their reserved parkingspace. When the parking client has reached the space and is ready toenter the parking space, they will input the command into theapplication. The server will receive from the application a command thatindicates that the parking space is ready to be occupied 231. The serverwill send a command 233 to the node device, and the node device willreceive the command 235, indicating that the parking space is ready tobe occupied. The node device will then send a command to the parkingbarrier device assigned to the reserved parking space to lower theparking barrier 237, thereby allowing the parking space to be occupied.

The method further provides sensing means integral to the parkingbarrier device to discern if the space is still occupied 239. Thissensing means may be accomplished by many methods known in the artincluding, but not limited to proximity sensors, infrared sensors,pressure switches, mechanical relays, and the like.

If the sensing means determines that the space is still occupied, themethod provides for receiving a command from the parking barrier deviceby the node device that the parking space is now occupied 239. Themethod then sends a command from the node device to the server that theparking space is now occupied 241. The server then sends a command tothe database to indicate that the parking space is now unavailable 245.

If the sensing means determines that the parking space is no longeroccupied, as when a parking client leaves the parking space, the methodprovides for sending a command from the parking barrier device to thenode device that the parking space is now available 247. The node devicethen sends a command to the parking barrier device to raise the parkingbarrier 249, thereby blocking the parking space from being occupied. Themethod further provides for sending a command from the node device tothe server that the parking space is now unoccupied 251 and for sendinga command from the server to the database to indicate that the parkingspace is now available.

The method further provides for calculating, by the server, a chargeamount based upon the parking lot configuration 253 and then chargingclient a fee for the parking service 255.

End-User Interface Application 160.

The end-user in this system is the person wishing to reserve and park inan intelligently managed parking space. The end-user interacts with thesystem via a User Interface. A preferred embodiment of this userinterface is a Mobile Application programmed to be accessible andexecuted by a microprocessor running on a client device, such as asmartphone. FIGS. 3-24 show example screens of the user interface for anend-user to interface with the Intelligent Parking System, according toan embodiment of the present invention. By navigating the easy to usegraphical interface, the user is directed to select a desired parkinglocation. Through database operations communicating through mobilenetwork protocols, as is known in the art, the mobile applicationreceives available parking data from the Server and displays reservationand payment prompts to the user via the user interface.

Referring generally to the drawings, an embodiment of the inventioncontemplated to be carried out on a parking client's electroniccomputing device, comprises a computer-implemented method to reserve,pay, and access a parking space. A special purpose computing deviceconfigured to execute a pre-programmed set of instructions for carryingout said method would be user friendly, incorporating such elements asguiding the user to their space and remembering where the user parksmost. Embodiments of the invention may give users access to anelectronic storefront (see, for example, FIG. 3 and FIG. 9) where userscan purchase parking units and accessories, and can also purchase andgive parking gift cards to other users of the system. Furtherembodiments of the invention would enable users to create an account,(see FIG. 3 and FIG. 7) have access to all available participatinggarages, spaces, and prices (see FIG. 4). Users may further search byproximity to the user, address, landmark or name of facility. It iscontemplated that embodiments of the invention would also compriseslide-out menus that provide the user with access to all parts of theapplication from any other part of the application (see FIG. 5). Thesame computer method can be used to register individual units within thesystem and modifying that unit's particular preferences in order tomaximize control over each parking space. The computer is able to scanor otherwise identify the unit's unique ID in order to expedite theregistration process.

In this exemplary embodiment, the client device is represented as asmartphone because of its widespread use and familiarity; however, onewith knowledge in the art will appreciate that a client device caninclude, inner alia, a tablet computer, a laptop, a desktop computer, ora mobile phone.

In this embodiment, a user interfaces with a Mobile Application loadedonto the client device and communicates with a web server to log in tothe system, verify user credentials, and identify parking locationsparticipating in the intelligent parking system service. Communicationwith the Server can be enabled by a Mobile App Gateway means as iscommonly known in the art.

Node Device 140.

The Node Device 140 is an apparatus that is co-located in the vicinityof the parking barrier device 170. According to an embodiment of thepresent invention, a Node Device comprises a processor, a storagemedium, a power supply, and a communications system. One skilled in theart will recognize that the processor may be embodied as a singlemicroprocessor, a series of microprocessors, or a set of softwareinstructions configured to carry out the functions of a microprocessor.One skilled in the art will also recognize that the storage medium maybe fixed or volatile, transitory or non-transitory memory and may beaccomplished by any means as is known in the art including, but notlimited to flash memory, physical storage devices, or cloud-basedstorage. The power supply may be accomplished via a hard-wire connectionto electrical power, as in one embodiment of the present invention.Alternatively, the power supply may be accomplished via a rechargeablebattery pack, such as a lithium-ion battery pack, according to anembodiment of the present invention. One skilled in the art willrecognize that the communications system may be accomplished by manymeans known in the art, including one of, or a combination of, wired orwireless network communications, cellular data communications, Bluetoothcommunications, ZigBee, and GPS, among others.

A parking lot may have one or more than one Node Device. The number ofNode Devices is chosen on a lot-by-lot basis as determined by the sizeof the lot, the number of physical barrier devices, and the optimumoperative range of the communication method used to connect the parkingbarrier devices with the Node Device. One skilled in the art willappreciate the Node Devices and parking barrier devices may becommunicatively connected via wired or wireless methods. The methodchosen will dictate the maximum operable distance between Node Deviceand parking barrier device. In addition to communicating with theparking barrier device(s), the Node Devices communicate, wired orwirelessly, with other Node Devices, with the Server, and with theInternet. Referring now to FIGS. 55-57, there are shown example screensof the Node Device user interface for the intelligent parking system,according to an embodiment of the present invention. This node deviceuser interface is accessible via standard network communications, as perone embodiment of the present invention, or through a user interfaceprovided by the Server 150, as according to another embodiment of thepresent invention.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the Node Device may beconfigured to communicate directly with a client device that comeswithin its communication range. By way of example, and not limitation,it is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention that a nodedevice utilizing a wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth,may recognize that a Bluetooth-enabled client device running the mobileapplication has come within networking range. The Node Device and mobileapplication could perform an automated handshake subroutine,authenticating the client device and connecting it to the Node Device.In this way, the client device, via the mobile application userinterface, may receive specialized instructions, parking information,promotional offers, or location instructions.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a Node Device thatprovides a graphical user interface for troubleshooting and directadministration of a Node Device. Referring now to FIGS. 55-57, there areshown example screens of the Node Device user interface for theintelligent parking system, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Server 150.

The Server 150 is a computer system that is operatively coupled with acommunications infrastructure and is able to read from and write to adatabase 180. Some, or all, of the Server functions may be implementedas computer program processes (software) that is tangibly stored in amemory that perform their respective functions when executed. Theserver, operably configured with software, enable the parking facilityowner to configure, monitor, and generally manage all aspects of runninga parking facility. Through network communications 125, as is commonlyknown in the art, the server is operatively coupled to other componentsof the intelligent parking system such as client devices 110, nodedevices 140, network accessible cameras, and future devices, features,and applications as may be developed over time. The server, running thesoftware application, offers to the parking facility a centralizedsystem, that is 100% scalable, flexible, upgradable, and secure. Theserver application supports e-commerce transactions and automatedbilling. All e-commerce functions are protected by a certificate and arelocated behind a password-protected firewall.

Web Application 130.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises anInternet-accessible portal, or system back-end provided via a WebApplication 130. Said portal would be configured to allow for facilitymanagement and administration activities such as, but not limited to,user permissions and privileges, pricing and fare management, andcomplete management and control over each space and its use. In anotherembodiment of the present invention, the system may further comprise amethod of providing a user with location-aware advertisement based onthe location of the reserved space or the user. One example of such anapplication is a user reserving a space at a shopping mall and receivingspecial offers for stores near their parking space.

The Server 150 generates a graphical user interface featuringeasy-to-navigate screens, using pages programmed in, for example,HTML5/CSS3/JavaScript on the front-end. The back-end, for example, usesLinux, Apache Web Server, MySQL database, Perl, Python, PHP, or othercommonly used tools running on the Server. Referring now to FIGS. 28-54,there are shown example screens of the Web Application 130 userinterface for the intelligent parking system, according to an embodimentof the present invention. By navigating the easy-to-use graphical userinterface, the user is directed to set up and configure parkingfacilities, parking lots, spaces, billing rates and rules, and otheraspects of managing a parking facility. The web application allows foruser management and lot management, as well as receiving various reportsand alerts from the various components of the system. In certainembodiments, a live feed is also available, which provides a real-timestream of network-connected video cameras located throughout the parkingfacility.

The Physical Barrier Device.

Referring now to FIG. 27, there is provided a simplified pictorialillustration of a physical barrier device 170, according to anembodiment of the present invention. This device comprises a parkingadministration device, which physically controls access to individualspaces and monitors activity by using a series of sensors embedded inthe apparatus. The device is automatic, seamlessly integrated, solarpowered 173, directly or wirelessly charged, impact resistant andwaterproof.

An exemplary embodiment of the physical barrier device, as shown,comprises a base housing 171 and a barrier arm 172, which is pivotablyattached to the base housing. This base housing is low-height so as toallow vehicles to park over it. The housing is constructed of durablematerials that resist crushing in the event that a vehicle drives overit. The materials are also chosen to provide weather resistance, as theywill be installed in locations prone to water, snow, ice, mud, and sunexposure. The base housing is further comprised of an electronics andcontrol module (not shown). This module accepts electrical power topower motors (not shown) which raise and lower the barrier arm 172. Theelectronics and control module also provides a one or moremicroprocessor (not shown), or computing device, with communicationscapability in order to communicate with a Node Device, which issuescommands to the apparatus, such as “Arm Up” or “Arm Down.” Theelectronics and control module also communicates back to the Node Devicewith such information as arm position, space/location, tamper detection,obstruction detection, or voltage notices. The base housing furthercomprises a battery or power supply, as well as motors for raising andlowering the barrier.

The barrier arm 172 is operably attached to the base unit and, in anexemplary embodiment, rotates about one end of the base in order to layflat or stand up, perpendicular to the floor, in order to provide abarrier to the parking space. This barrier arm is made of a durablematerial. In the event that the barrier is forced down, an audible alarmwill trigger and the electronics and control module will send a commandto the Node Device.

Embodiments of the apparatus may further comprise embedded circuitryconfigured to allow the apparatus to be controlled via a wired orwireless communications protocol by a control device. Embodiments of theapparatus may comprise a base portion which is fixedly attached to theground and a barrier portion which is pivotably attached to the baseportion such that it can be rotated up and away from the base to blockaccess to a parking space and rotated down towards the base to allow fora vehicle to pass over the apparatus and park in the space. In anotherembodiment of the apparatus, a telescopically deployed arm (not shown)may also achieve this objective. Embodiments of the apparatus mayinclude sensing means 174 to determine if a vehicle is parked in thespace. These sensing means also allow the apparatus to know the preciselocation of a user within the area of the system as well as the user'sbehavior within the area in order to maximize the efficiency of thesystem and enhance the user experience. This sensing means 174 may beaccomplished by many methods known to one of ordinary skill in the artincluding, but not limited to proximity sensors, infrared sensors,pressure switches, mechanical relays, and the like.

Further embodiments of the present invention may include a parkingbarrier device with an integrated siren, or alarm. This siren wouldactivate and alert a driver, or anyone in the vicinity, if the device isbeing tampered with, or if the device arm is being forced down.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a barrier arm thatincludes a means for attaching a flag or other visual indicator. Thisattachment means may be any as is commonly known in the art including,but not limited to, clips, clamps, straps, magnets, or other mechanicalfastening means.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a barrier arm withintegrated features that allow for the placement of signage,advertisements, or other visual media on the forward facing surface ofthe barrier arm 175. These features may be mechanical fastening featuresas would be known to one with ordinary skill in the art. In this way,for example, a parking facility may provide “billboard” space foradvertisements on each parking barrier that is visible to anyone drivingthrough the parking lot.

By way of example, and not limitation, it is contemplated to be withinthe scope of the invention that a parking barrier device utilizing awireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, may recognize that aBluetooth-enabled client device running the mobile application has comewithin networking range. The physical barrier device and mobileapplication could perform an automated handshake subroutine,authenticating the client device and connecting it to the physicalbarrier device. In this way, the client device, via the mobileapplication user interface, may receive specialized instructions,parking information, promotional offers, or location instructions.Additional features of this embodiment may include automated lowering ofthe barrier as the connected client device approaches the parking spacewith the physical barrier device, as well as automated raising of thebarrier as the connected client device leaves the parking space.

In another embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated thatthe physical barrier device may be operably configured to communicatedirectly, through wired or wireless communication means, to the server,thereby bypassing the need for a Node Device if that is desired incertain installations.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplatedthat the physical barrier device may be operably configured tocommunicate directly, through a wireless communication protocol, to theclient device. For example, the physical barrier device and the clientdevice may establish a Bluetooth connection with each other, therebyenabling the mobile application running on the client device to directlysend and receive commands from the physical barrier device.

Security Protocol.

An embodiment of the present invention includes the implementation ofsecurity protocols among and between the various components of theinvention.

A method for the encryption of communications between the physicalbarrier device and the node device is presented here, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. Upon the initial establishmentof a communicative connection between the physical barrier device andthe node device, the node device sends a command requesting a key fromthe physical barrier device. A random ‘one time’ key is generated by thephysical barrier device and is sent back to the node device. The nodedevice stores this key for use with the next command. The previouslygenerated ‘one time’ key must accompany each command to the physicalbarrier device. Upon receipt of a command, the physical barrier deviceverifies the onetime key. Upon verification of the onetime key, thephysical barrier device processes the command, generates a new random‘one time’ key and sends it back to the node device along with thecommand's response. In this way a unique encryption key is beinggenerated every time a command is processed and this key is never usedagain.

A further method for the implementation of a security protocol to beused in an intelligent parking management system, according to anembodiment of the present invention, includes the use of acustom-programmed command language.

Mesh Networking and Location Awareness.

Embodiments of the present invention contemplate the use of meshnetworking, as is known in the art, and location awareness through theutilization of network-connected node devices and physical barrierdevices. Software running on the node devices and the physical barrierdevices run automated subroutines to automatically connect physicalbarrier devices and node devices that are within communications range ofeach other. For example, in embodiments running Bluetooth communicationsprotocols, physical barrier devices connect to node devices that providethe strongest communications signal. In the event that a Node Devicegoes offline, the parking barrier devices that were connected to it willautomatically search for and associate themselves with the next closestNode Device (the next Node device with the strongest signal).

Additionally, physical barrier devices may recognize each other throughtheir communications signals and Node Devices may recognize each other,according to an embodiment of the present invention. Through the use ofthis unit-to-unit awareness via mesh network communications, the systempresents a location awareness. When a client device is also part of thesystem, the mesh network, through this location awareness is capable ofproviding, for example, direct-to-space driving directions to theparking client.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention would comprise a system,the system comprising one or more parking barrier devices, connectedover a network to system back-end that manages parking spaceutilization, barrier operation and status, and inputs from one ormultiple user applications.

Throughout the description herein, various embodiments of the inventionare disclosed as having processors, processing means, or other forms ofcomputational means that, for the purposes of this invention, shall beinterchangeably considered a “computer system.” For purposes of thisinvention, computer system 600, as shown in FIG. 26, may represent anytype of computer, information processing system or other programmableelectronic device, including a client computer, a server computer, aportable computer, an embedded controller, a smartphone, a tabletcomputer, a personal digital assistant, a Cloud computing device, and soon. The computer system 600 may be a stand-alone device or networkedinto a larger system. Computer system 600, illustrated for exemplarypurposes as a mobile computing device, is in communication with othernetworked computing devices (not shown). As will be appreciated by thoseof ordinary skill in the art, a network may be embodied usingconventional networking technologies and may include one or more of thefollowing: local area networks, wide area networks, intranets, publicInternet and the like.

Throughout the description herein, an embodiment of the invention isillustrated with aspects of the invention embodied solely on computersystem 600. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart, aspects of the invention may be distributed amongst one or morecomputing devices which interact with computer system 600 via one ormore data networks such as, for example, the Internet. However, for easeof understanding, aspects of the invention have been embodied in asingle computing device—computer system 600.

Computer system 600 includes inter alia processing device 602, whichcommunicates with an input/output subsystem 606, memory 604, and storage610. The processor device 602 is operably coupled with a communicationinfrastructure 622 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, ornetwork). The processor device 602 may be a general or special purposemicroprocessor operating under control of computer program instructions632 executed from memory 604 on program data 634. The processor 602 mayinclude a number of special purpose sub-processors such as a comparatorengine, each sub-processor for executing particular portions of thecomputer program instructions. Each sub-processor may be a separatecircuit able to operate substantially in parallel with the othersub-processors.

Some or all of the sub-processors may be implemented as computer programprocesses (software) tangibly stored in a memory that perform theirrespective functions when executed. These may share an instructionprocessor, such as a general purpose integrated circuit microprocessor,or each sub-processor may have its own special purpose processor forexecuting instructions. Alternatively, some or all of the sub-processorsmay be implemented in an ASIC. RAM may be embodied in one or more memorychips.

The memory 604 may be partitioned or otherwise mapped to reflect theboundaries of the various memory subcomponents. Memory 604 may includeboth volatile and persistent memory for the storage of: operationalinstructions 632 for execution by CPU 602, data registers, applicationstorage and the like. Memory 604 can include a combination of randomaccess memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM) and persistent memory suchas that provided by a hard disk drive 618 in secondary memory 609. Thecomputer instructions/applications that are stored in memory 604 areexecuted by processor 602. The computer instructions/applications 632and program data 634 can also be stored in hard disk drive 618 forexecution by processor device 602.

The computer system 600 may also include a removable storage drive 610,representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical diskdrive, and the like. The removable storage drive 610 reads from and/orwrites to a removable storage unit 620 in a manner well known to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art. Removable storage unit 620, representsa floppy disk, a compact disc, magnetic tape, optical disk, CD-ROM,DVD-ROM, etc. which is read by and written to by removable storage drive610. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit 620 includes anon-transitory computer readable medium having stored therein computersoftware and/or data.

The computer system 600 may also include a communications interface 612.Communications interface 612 allows software and data to be transferredbetween the computer system and external devices. Examples ofcommunications interface 612 may include a modem, a network interface(such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot andcard, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface612 are in the form of signals which may be, for example, electronic,electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received bycommunications interface 612.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium,” “computer usablemedium,” and “computer readable medium” are used to generally refer toboth transitory and non-transitory media such as main memory 604,removable storage drive 620, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive618. These computer program products are means for providing software tothe computer system 610. The computer readable medium 620 allows thecomputer system 600 to read data, instructions, messages or messagepackets, and other computer readable information from the computerreadable medium 620.

Certain features described herein may be implemented in many ways knownby one skilled in the art. For example, certain features may beimplemented as “logic” or a “unit” that performs one or more functions.This logic or unit may include hardware, such as one or moremicroprocessors, application specific integrated circuits, or fieldprogrammable gate arrays, software, or a combination of hardware andsoftware.

The present invention may address one or more of the problems anddeficiencies of the prior art discussed above. However, it iscontemplated that the invention may prove useful in addressing otherproblems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore theclaimed invention should not necessarily be construed as limited toaddressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussedherein.

In light of the foregoing description, it should be recognized thatembodiments in accordance with the present invention can be realized innumerous configurations contemplated to be within the scope and spiritof the claims. Additionally, the description above is intended by way ofexample only and is not intended to limit the present invention in anyway, except as set forth in the claims presented.

The appended drawings and figures illustrate various embodiments of thepresent invention. It is contemplated that various other embodiments ofthe present invention may be within the scope of what has been disclosedherein even though it may not be shown in the embodiments depicted inthe appended drawings and figures.

Therefore, while there has been described what is presently consideredto be the preferred embodiment, it will understood by those skilled inthe art that other modifications can be made within the spirit of theinvention. The above descriptions of embodiments are not intended to beexhaustive or limiting in scope. The embodiments, as described, werechosen in order to explain the principles of the invention, show itspractical application, and enable those with ordinary skill in the artto understand how to make and use the invention. It should be understoodthat the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for providinga parking management service, the method comprising the steps of:providing a server, operatively configured to send and receive commandsand instructions to and from a database; providing an application to aparking client, where said application is operatively configured toprovide an instruction set to a client device thereby rendering theclient device to be communicatively operative with said server;providing an Internet accessible user interface that is in communicationwith said server and is operatively configured to send and receiveoperations to and from said database; providing a one or more nodedevice that is in communication with said server; providing a one ormore parking barrier device that is in communication with said nodedevice, wherein each said parking barrier device is fixedly attached andcontrols access to a single parking space; configuring of a parking lotvia operations executed on the Internet accessible user interface;storing to the database a set of configuration parameters for saidparking lot; displaying on said application availability of said parkinglot; receiving by the server a request from the application to reserve aparking space at said parking lot; querying of the database by theserver as to the availability of parking spaces at said parking lot;returning by the database to the server information about availableparking spaces; communicating said available parking spaces by theserver to the application; receiving from the application a command toreserve the parking space by the server; transmitting of a parkingreservation command to the node device associated with the reservedparking space; receiving by the server from the application a commandthat indicates that the parking space is ready to be occupied; sending acommand by the server to the node device that the parking space is readyto be occupied; sending a command from the node device to the parkingbarrier device to withdraw the parking barrier, thereby allowing theparking space to be occupied; receiving a command from the parkingbarrier device by the node device that the parking space is nowoccupied; sending a command from the node device to the server that theparking space is now occupied; sending a command from the server to thedatabase to indicate that the parking space is now unavailable; sending,upon egress from the parking space, a command from the parking barrierdevice to the node device that the parking space is now available;sending a command from the node device to the parking barrier device toreposition the parking barrier, thereby blocking the parking space frombeing occupied; sending a command from the node device to the serverthat the parking space is now unoccupied; sending a command from theserver to the database to indicate that the parking space is nowavailable; calculating by the server a charge amount based upon theparking lot configuration; and charging by the server said charge amountto the parking client, whereby a parking management service is provided.